Learn About Two Stars Of The Silent Film Era At Cranford Program

CRANFORD—The Friends of the Cranford Public Library invite you to join Chris Messineo, director of the New Jersey Film School, who will present a program entitled “The Little Tramp Versus the Great Stone Face” on Wednesday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue.

In a debate almost as old as cinema, the question has often been asked, “Who do you like better?” Charles Chaplin’s “little tramp” was the most famous and recognized character the world over. Buster Keaton’s “great stone face” and his unparalleled talent for stunts amazed audiences young and old. The two greatest stars of the silent era, the legacy of their films (The Kid, The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr., and City Lights), and the debate about who we love more lives on. The program will feature film clips, anecdotes, analysis, film history, and a Q & A session.

This marks Messineo’s third visit to Cranford, where he has also presented programs on the art of Alfred Hitchcock and on film noir. He is an award-winning writer and director. He is the founder of Off Stage Films, an independent production company, that shoots short films and corporate videos. The films have won awards for screenwriting, acting, sound, cinematography, editing, score, and directing. He has worked as a director, screenwriter, crew member, script reader, screenplay consultant, and even as a film festival judge. In 1998 he formed the New Jersey Screenwriter’s Group and, since then, the group has held more than 150 original screenplay readings.